ON World Leprosy Day, we turn our attention to the struggle against the persistent stigmatization and societal rejection faced by leprosy patients. Raphael Ryder Cheshire International Centre is an NGO that runs Shiv Sadan, a sanctuary for homeless leprosy patients helping people for the past 60 years. It has been a lifeline for hundreds of individuals, providing not just shelter but also comprehensive care. However, the foundation is now facing a critical challenge, as the infrastructure that houses 25 elderly leprosy patients is crumbling, putting them on the brink of homelessness. This World Leprosy Day, let’s listen to their urgent call for immediate support.

The stigma surrounding leprosy

This World Leprosy Day, let’s learn about leprosy, a disease with ancient roots that has long been shrouded in myths, misconceptions and unfounded fears. Stigma and discrimination against leprosy patients persist, leading to ostracization from their communities and even violence. The social isolation faced by these individuals goes beyond the disease itself, often resulting in loss of employment, denial of basic services, and abandonment by their own families. 

Shiv Sadan: a haven for the homeless

In the face of this societal rejection, Raphael Ryder Cheshire International Centre, under the compassionate leadership of Priyo Lall, has stood as a bastion of support for those cast aside by society. It is important to highlight this World Leprosy Day that the NGO has been instrumental in rescuing and providing a home to over 200 leprosy patients who would have otherwise been forced to live on the streets. Despite being cured of leprosy, these individuals continue to face severe deformities and open wounds, making their reintegration into society an arduous task.

Priyo Lall’s vision and leadership

At the helm of Raphael Ryder Cheshire International Centre, Priyo Lall has been a driving force in advocating for the rights and dignity of leprosy patients. She questions the prevailing societal attitudes that bar these individuals from gaining employment or even entering homes for simple domestic work. Priyo Lall emphasizes that even the children of leprosy patients disown them, perpetuating the cycle of isolation and destitution.

Priyo Lall articulates the predicament faced by these recovered leprosy patients, stating on this World Leprosy Day that, “these patients, although recovered from leprosy, still have severe deformities. Many patients have open wounds, and if they return to the streets, they will get infected. Even after getting cured of leprosy, their treatment must continue lifelong.”

Priyo Lall, the dedicated and compassionate leader at the helm of Raphael Ryder Cheshire International Centre, personifies unwavering commitment to the cause of leprosy patients. Priyo Lall has become a driving force, challenging societal norms and advocating for the rights of those marginalized due to misconceptions surrounding leprosy, which is one of the objectives of World Leprosy Day.

Priyo Lall’s passion for the cause is evident in her relentless pursuit of justice for leprosy patients, particularly the 25 elderly individuals facing homelessness. Her deep understanding of the challenges they endure extends beyond their physical ailments, encompassing the psychological and societal burdens they carry. Lall questions the ingrained biases that prevent these individuals from finding employment, even in the most basic roles.

Under Lall’s leadership, Raphael Ryder Cheshire International Centre has not only provided shelter but has also created a haven where the dignity of leprosy patients is restored. Her advocacy extends beyond the walls of Shiv Sadan, reaching into communities to break the cycle of discrimination. This World Leprosy Day, in the face of the crumbling infrastructure threatening the well-being of these 25 individuals, Priyo Lall’s plea for urgent support is a testament to her unwavering dedication. Her vision goes beyond providing temporary relief; it aims to reshape societal perceptions and create a world where leprosy patients are not just cured but embraced with compassion and understanding. This World Leprosy Day, you can support Raphael Ryder Cheshire International Centre and donate here.

The urgent need for support

This World Leprosy Day, the dire situation facing Shiv Sadan is brought to the forefront by Priyo Lall, who describes the deteriorating conditions within the 50-year-old homes built by Raphael Ryder Cheshire International Centre. Plastic sheets are now being tied above beds to shield patients from dripping ceilings during the monsoon rains. Without urgent assistance, these elderly leprosy patients have nowhere else to turn, facing the imminent threat of homelessness.

Priyo Lall emphasizes that Raphael Ryder Cheshire International Centre has taken up the full responsibility for the health and well-being of these individuals, covering their food, shelter, and medical needs. The urgent plea for support this World Leprosy Day is not just a call for financial aid but a plea to uphold the basic human rights of those who have already endured a lifetime of hardship.

Badal’s testimony of resilience

The gravity of the situation is further illustrated through the personal testimony of a man named Badal, who found refuge in the arms of Raphael Ryder Cheshire International Centre. Badal recounts the harrowing experience of being chased out of his village with his wife and baby boy after being diagnosed with leprosy. Lost employment, denial of essential goods, and isolation from the community pushed him to the brink of despair until Raphael offered him a home and the treatment he desperately needed. Such heartbreaking yet heartwarming real-life stories this World Leprosy Day encourage each of us to do our part to help people suffering with the pain and stigma that leprosy brings.

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This World Leprosy Day, the plight of elderly leprosy patients at Shiv Sadan underscores the urgency of the fundraising campaign initiated by Raphael Ryder Cheshire International Centre. The unwavering commitment of Priyo Lall reflects a broader mission to challenge societal norms and provide a haven for those forgotten and abandoned. The call for support is not merely about saving a crumbling structure but about safeguarding the dignity and well-being of individuals who have faced a lifetime of prejudice and discrimination. As we navigate the complexities of healthcare and societal perceptions this World Leprosy Day, the fate of these 25 elderly leprosy patients rests in the hands of compassionate individuals willing to stand against the tide of injustice and extend a lifeline to those in desperate need. This World Leprosy Day, you can support Raphael Ryder Cheshire International Centre and donate here.

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